Malaysia Airports in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College creates temporary mural depicting the beauty and uniqueness of Langkawi. Carried out in conjunction with the upgrading works at Langkawi International Airport, the project is part of Malaysia Airports’ ongoing initiative towards providing a pleasant total airport experience and instilling a sense of place among travellers.
Located inside the airport at the landside terminal, the 170m long mural bears the artistic expression created by students from the Faculty of Creative Arts, Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College (KLMUC). Taking several weeks to complete, the mural serves as a platform for the students to apply their talents and showcase their creativity for travellers from all over to see.
Malaysia Airports senior general manager for commercial services Nazli Aziz says the idea to create the temporary mural was mooted following the realization on the need to create a pleasant experience for travellers the moment they enter the airport, while the air terminal undergoes upgrading works. The mural is set to minimize any inconvenience due to construction works and is designed to provide a façade which is pleasing to the eyes, he added.
“This effort is yet another example of a successful collaboration between the private industry and the academia. “The Langkawi International Airport is an ideal location for the students to showcase their artwork due to the island’s popularity as a holiday destination among tourists from all over the world,” Nazli says.
KLMUC Acting Vice Chancellor, Sharina Puteh says “Our students and lecturers are grateful to be given this opportunity to create a welcoming atmosphere at one of the nation’s busiest airports, the Langkawi International Airport. The students showcased their talent by creating a vibrant design concept on this temporary mural, portraying excitement, energy and engagement. The design concept also reveals a vector illustration of Langkawi’s attractions with other design elements such as typography, doodles, patterns and graphic illustration along the mural. Audience will be able to interact with the design that could be Instagram-worthy, which will also contribute to the island’s promotional platform and image.”
On the upgrading works at Langkawi International Airport, Nazli says this involved significant refurbishing and upgrading of facilities at the landside terminal. When completed by end of August, the landside terminal will feature a contemporary design that will also enhance ease of movement for travellers. Travellers can also look forward to better retail offerings as there will be a diverse range of international and local brands.
Nazli says, “Each year, we have an average of 230,637 tourist arrivals at the Langkawi International Airport per month, with the highest achieved in the months of August and December. This translates to about RM54.15 million in sales for Year 2017 at the airport. With the retail facilities upgraded, we expect this to help facilitate better sales in the future.”
